A HISTORY OF 

HAUPPAUQE 

LONG ISLAND 

By Simeon Wood 



Edited and Published by 

Charles J. Werner 
1920 




SIMEON WOOD 



( 
A HISTORY /*-Ao 

OF 

HAUPPAUGE 

LONG ISLAND 
N. Y 



TOGETHER WITH 

GENEALOGIES 

OF THE FOLLOWING FAMILIES! WHEELER, SMITH, BULL 

SMITH, BLYDENBURGH, WOOD, ROLPH, 

HUBBS, PRICE, MC CRONE 

BY 

SIMEON WOOD 

EDITED BY 

CHARLES J. WERNER 

PUBLISHED BV 

CHARLES J. WERNER 

44 WHITEHALL ST., NEW YORK, N. Y. 

I 920 



Fl%9 



One Hutidred Copies 

Printed 

of w/iich this is 

No. 



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IS 

AFFECTIONATELY INSCRIBEO 
TO 

WILJJAM WHITESIDES WERNER 
BORN APRIL 2D, I92O 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 



Page 



Editor's Preface 7 

Introduction 9 

Land of Sweet Waters 10 

Hauppauge 14 

Winne-Commack Patent 17 

Wheeler Family 19 

Smith Family (Bull Smiths) 25 

Blydenburgh Family 27 

Wood Family 31 

Rolph Family 35 

Smith Family 36 

Jacobus Hubbs and Descendants 39 

Elijah Price and Children 41 

Third Smith Family 42 

Another Price 43 

McCrone 44 

The Methodist Church 46 

Methodist Preachers 57 

Havens Wheeler 65 

Judge Smith's Servants 66 

Ellen S. Mowbray and Her Poem 68 

Oak Trees 70 

School House 72 

Centennial of the Church 75 

Changes 82 

Inscriptions in Wheeler Graveyard 84 

Inscriptions in James Smith's Graveyard 86 

Inscriptions in George Wheeler's Graveyard. . 86 

InscriptioYis in Sammy Payne Graveyard ... 87 



TABLE OF CONTENTS— Continued 

Joshua Smith's Graveyard 87 

Wheeler Migrations 89 

Conkling Migrations 90 

Wood Migrations 90 

Bull Smith Migrations 90 

Blydenburgh Migrations 91 

Smith Migrations 91 

Nichols Migrations 92 

Price Migrations 92 



EDITOR'S PREFACE 

The late Mr. Simeon Wood, author of this 
unique History, was ever a lover and student of his 
native village and surrounding territory. During 
the latter years of his life he busied himself in com- 
piling and arranging in manuscript form, the inter- 
esting story of Hauppauge,* its early settlers and 
the church which they were wont to attend. 

The orthodox historian, seeing and caring for 
little outside of musty records and ancient tomes. 
was not of a type with our author. The following 
pages show that Mr. Wood sought to bring to us 
the charm of the hallowed past, the poetry of a 
delightful rural spot and the homely memories and 
traditions of the forefathers of the locality. From 
one who will read carefully the following pages, 
the answer will be, "he has succeeded." 

Throughout the narrative, the precept of a 
Christian teacher is apparent. Mr. Wood realized 
that history with a people is in fact akin to experi- 
ence in the individual, and we of the present day 
may look back upon the deeds and example set by 
our forefathers in the pursuit of a Christian and 
God-fearing life, and carry on the work begun by 
them in the home, church and public forum. 

♦Pronounced "Hoppog," with accent on first syllable.— 
Editor. 



And now looking on the History from a more 
materialistic standpoint, the reader will find in 
these pages a full and careful recital of the facts 
connected with the settlement of Hauppauge and 
the growth and changes effected in the institu- 
tions within its borders. Genealogical accounts of 
the native families are exhibited and an exhaustive 
record of the Methodist Church and those in an}' 
way connected with it, is given. 

Mr. Simeon Wood was born in Hauppauge in 
1839 and lived there during his entire life. He was 
respected by all and died in Hauppauge, Dec. 3, 
1914. This volume is a fitting memorial to his 
memory. 

A word as to the circumstances of publication. 
The author finished his manuscript about 1909 and 
it has since remained in the hands of his family. 
Mr. Orville B. Ackerly, the premier authority on 
Suffolk County history, directed the editor's atten- 
tion to it and he saw that this interesting an:^ 
uniquely treated History was worthy of publica- 
tion, in fact should be published. With Mrs. 
Wood's appreciated co-operation and the use of a 
copy of the manuscript owned by Mr. Ackerly and 
generously furnished as printer's copy, the book 
has been produced and is herewith given to the 
feader. 

Huntington, L. I.. October 16, 1918. 



INTRODUCTION 



In the year 1906, when the Methodist Society 
was one hundred years old, its members celebrated 
the event of the founding of the Church with a 
series of meetings lasting a week. 

It was then that the question naturally arose, 
who were the people that organized the Society, 
and when was the place first settled? 

To throw some light on these questions this little 
history is written. 

The date of the first house appears to be 1731, on 
what is now known as the Arbuckle farm. 

Thomas Wheeler appears to be the first owner 
of the land, that made his home here. It is not 
definitely known when he came. If he followed 
the course young people are expected to take, and 
made a home af his own when he married, he evi- 
dently came here about the year 1740, as his first 
child was born in that year. 

As Timothy's wife was six years younger than 
the wife of Thomas, he may have settled here a few 
years later. 

Trusting that the information here recorded will 
be of some interest to our successors, this sketch is 
respectfully dedicated to the people of HAUP- 
PAUGK 



THE LAND OF SWEET WATERS 

Years before the "pale faces" crossed the "big 
waters" and found a "new world," there was a 
tribe of those people whose origin is the subject of 
many theories, on what is now famous Long Island. 

They were the Nissequogue Indians, habitants 
of the land bordering on the river whose name they 
bore. By the headwaters of this river was a spot 
ideal to the roving children of the forest. It awoke 
their fancies to a glorious hereafter where they 
would realize that perfect joy of which humanity is 
ever dreaming. 

In the poetic language of a race famed for its 
eloquence, the place was called Hauppauge* (the 
land of sweet waters), which was found to be so 
appropriate by the despoilers of their homes, that it 
was not changed to Wheelersdale or Smithville, or 
any other prosaic name to suit some family pride or 
fancy, but it is Hauppauge today, and as the years 
roll on, its significance is more and more im- 
pressed on the favored dwellers of this fair land. 

To this day, relics of "the stone age" are found, 
where lost or broken ; the bow and arrow won for 

*Accordmg to W. W. Tooker, the eminent authority on 
Indian names, a strict translation of the word, gives us 
"overflowed land," rather than "land of sweet water.a.'* — 
Editor. 



lO 



this mystic race the means of their liveHhood, and 
it requires but little imagination to see the hunts- 
men returning with their game, after a successful 
day at their favorite employment. 

Then with their squaws, and papooses, they are 
banqueting in the bountiful shade, drinking, not 
"fire water," that demon of the festal halls of civ- 
ilization (?), but with a crude cup of pottery, 
quenching their thirst from the limpid streams of 
that beverage which the Great Teacher of life 
made the wine of the feast. 

Then we see the "braves" relaxed from their 
stoicism, having a grand *'pow wow" until wearied 
with the dance, they light the fires that "soothe 
the savage breast," and the untutored mind is lost 
to resentment and care with incense from the "pipe 
of peace." 

It is not to be imagined that "war paint" was put 
on where these "laughing waters" were murmur- 
ing a lullaby to the drowsy fancies of those whose 
idea of Heaven was the perfection of their greatest 
pleasure on earth. So we can easily imagine this 
the vestibule of the "happy hunting-grounds" of 
the Indian faith, that "thinks admitted to that 
equal sky his faithful dog shall bear him company." 

Then we see the tribes selHng their land for a 
few trinkets, and passing away before the invaders 
of their heritage. 

A few years have passed, and all that is left to re- 
mind us of its former occupants are a few arrow- 
heads and a name. 

Civilization's pathway through the mystery of 



II 



life is recorded by the pen and the press. The mys- 
terious trail of the red man is dimly traced by 
curios of war and the chase. 

The name suggested by the Indian fancy desig- 
nates one of those charming spots that is as yet but 
the rough diamond in the hands of the Lapidary, 
cnt just enough for a connoisseur to see its beauty. 
The name is unique, and so is the place. SparkHng 
streams and spreading trees, that awake the poet's 
muse and inspire the artist's hand. Nature has 
abundantly supplied. We look with admiration 
and awe on mountain height or boundless ocean, 
until wearied with the burden of vastness they im- 
pose, we turn to the brooks and trees for that per- 
fect rest the longing soul demands. 



Turn from the barren mountain height 

To where a village is portrayed, 
No haughty grandeur greets the sight 

But charming rills, and grateful shade. 

A fairy land cannot compare 

With designs wrought by Nature's skill; 
Each fancy finds a picture there 

That fondest, sweetest dreams fulfill. 

Things of beauty, joy forever. 

Is the aspiring soul's demand. 
Shady trees and tiny river 

'Together make an ideal land. 

It was this picture of repose 

That cheered the weary travellers' gloom; 
It drew their wanderings to a close, 

And made "Sweet Waters" happy home. 

Grand trees, sweet brooks, thy dreamy sounds 
were music to the "savage breast;" 

His faith in happy hunting-grounds 

Heard the Great Spirit whisper, "Rest." 



12 



To sketch a scene, so fair a land, 

Though the fancies may be clever, 

And trained the eye and skilled the hand, 
Nature smiles at Art's endeavor. 

Her matchless views, perfection are. 
With graceful lines, ideal and true; 

'Tis vain to strive for scenes more fair, 
From Nature, Art must take its cue. 

The summer flowers, the autumn leaves. 
In the panorama's changing scene; 

In Fancy's realm a beauty weaves 

That keeps our mem'ries ever green. 

Providence for her children made 

An antidote for care and woes; 
Trees of ornament, trees of shade, 

Arrest the eye, invite repose. 

The fruit trees bring their lavish store, 
And cast their treasures at our feet, 

While a sweet promise we adore 

Fulfilled it makes our joy complete. 

The forest monarch sentry stands. 

Watching generations come and go, 

Whose faithful hearts and willing hands 

Make love, life's sweetest waters, flow. 

The trout is sporting in the brooks, 

The quail is whistling in the grain, 

The saucy squirrel cunning looks. 

The whip-poor-will sings night's refrain. 

In vales and ponds where lilies grow, 

Or shy arbutus on the hills. 
Coy Nature smiles and hearts o'erflow 

With love, sweet balm for all our ills. 

Time shifts the scene, a winter's land; 

The streams are clasped in frost's embrace. 
The trees now cold and naked stand. 

Monuments to departed grace. 

Glorious Hauppauge! thy charms live on 

Through pains and sorrow age must bear; 

When friends are few, and hopes are gone. 
Thou art the home of mem'ries dear. 

Upon the sea of time distressed, 

Longing for the quiet river, 
Thy fancies beckon me to rest 

Where "sweet waters" flow forever. 



13 



HAUPPAUGE 



When Richard Smythe (the bull rider) was 
given his patent to Smithtown, by Richard NicoUs, 
Colonial Governor under his Royal Highness 
James, Duke of York, the Nisaquake land was 
hounded on the south from "a certaine ffresh Pond 
called Raconkamuck" to the head of Nesaquake 
River. 

That description served very well while only the 
north and south shores of the Island were popu- 
lated, but when the middle came to be of more 
consequence, there was quite a controversy as to 
where was "the river's head." 

Some went so far as to assert that the little pond 
by Timothy Wheeler's was the headwaters of the 
Nissequogue, which opinion inspired this couplet 
from a rhymester of that period : 

"If they went a little farther still 

The source would be on top of the hill." 

The question was finally settled by commission- 
ers appointed for that purpose, who decided that 
the springs by Caleb Smith's was the point in dis- 
pute. 

The boundary question was settled in 1763; 
then about 1789 there was another dispute about 



H 



the line between the Towns,* as two surveyors did 
not agree by about a rod where the line was. That 
matter was settled by taking the disputed rod and 
one on either side of it to make a road, which was 
long known as the "New Highway." 

The first public road was the "King's Highway," 
laid out in 1704 by act of the Colonial Legislature. 
It had the distinction of being the only highway for. 
many years, as the roads leading to or from it were 
called paths, made mostly by individual necessity. 
The road to the south side, near Caleb Smith's, was 
called "Caleb's Path;" the one from Timothy 
Wheeler's was. and still is called "Wheeler's 
Road;" "Joshua Smith bought the right of way 
across from where the schoolhouse now stands to 
the King's Highway, and that was known as 'The 
Judge's Lane ;' " then from Wheeler's Road to Ca- 
leb's Path there was another road, known as 
"Joshua's Path." 

As the Winne-Commack patent was bounded on 
the north by Smithtown, and on the east and south 
by Islip, Hauppauge occupies a portion of three 
patents. 

Evidently the first settlers made their fortunes in 
the cord wood business. They had large tracts of 
timber land and took the wood to the Landing on 
the Nissequogue River to be scowed down to the 
harbor, from where the sloops took it to New York. 

Hauppauge could boast of some substantial citi- 

* Smithtown and Islip. The main street of Hauppauge is 
the boundary line between these two towns. Indeed, the name 
was sometimes used in the plural, as "The Hauppauges."— 
Editor. 

IS 



zens in those days. During the Revolutionary 
V/ar when the Island was overrun by the British, 
the place was visited by the soldiers to see what 
plunder they could .find. They searched Joseph 
Blydenburgh's house for his gold, but the money 
was in an old churn covered with rags in the gar- 
ret, and that was the only place that they did not 
look for it. They also tried to get Jacob Wheeler's 
oxen. He had them hid away and when they asked 
where they were, they were told that the oxen had 
gone to New York. Thinking that some of their 
comrades had taken the cattle to the city, the}-^ 
.sought no farther. In after years the place where 
the cattle were hid was called the York lots. 

"The Wheelers," "The Smiths" and "The Bly- 
denburghs" have the distinction of being the first 
families of the land. 

As "The Smiths" never built more than the two 
houses of the first settlers, "The Wheelers" and 
''The Blydenburghs" will have to be credited as 
being "the rude forefathers of the hamlet." 

There was many a matrimonial alliance between 
the two families, and their progeny either married 
in the families that came later, or brought their af- 
finities from other parts, so that most of the houses 
were built by the descendants of those two families. 



i6 



WINNE-COMMACK PATENT 



On the map of Long Island it will be seen that 
the southern boundary of Smithtown is not a 
straight line. 

It was not always so. That part south of the 
road from Hauppauge to Commack was the 
W inne-Commack patent granted to Charles Con- 
greve by Queen Anne in 1703. The road from 
Hauppauge to Commack was laid out on the line 
between the two patents* in 1789. 

Charles Congreve sold the southern part of his 
patent to Rip Van Dam, a prominent merchant, 
and Alderman in New York in 1693 and 1695. In 
1731, one John Mott and others, when Rip Van 
Dam was acting Governor of the Colony of New 
York, built a small house on his part and lived 
there several years. 

The eastern part of Rip Van Dam's purchase 
finally came in possession of Elias Smith, grand- 
father to Eugene Piatt. Eugene Piatt sold it to 
Charles Arbuckle. 

The northeastern part of the patent is where 
Jacob and Paul Nichols lived. Their places are 
now owned and occupied by R. H. Handley, whose 
grandfather, William Hockman, came to Haup- 

*Winne-Coinmack and Smithtown. — Editor. 

17 



pauge nearly 60 years ago and built the house 
lately occupied by J. R. Crandall.* 

To improve his land, he took muck from the 
swamp by the Hauppauge springs and made what 
is now the lily pond. When asked why his crops 
looked so well, he said, '*I grease their tail and let 
them go." 

His son-in-law, Robert Handley. bought and 
built on the Paul Nichols' place. 

*This property is now owned by Henry S, Mott of North- 
port. — Editor. 



X8 



THE WHEELERS 



x\bout the year 1640, Thomas Wheeler^ of New 
Haven, Conn., died, and shortly after his widow 
Alice, with her children, John^, Mary^ and Sarah^, 
came over to Southampton, Long Island, where 
she, the widow, became the second wife of Josiah 
Stansbrough, prominent citizen of that place. 

One of her daughters married Josiah Horton of 
Southold, and the other, Francis Sayre of South- 
ampton. 

Her son John^ moved to Easthampton and be- 
came one of the leading men of that town. 

He was Captain on the militia, Justice of the 
Peace, one of the patentees, and trustees named in 
the Dongan patent to the Town of Easthampton in 
1686. He was Collector and Assessor, and from 
1704 to 1718 was Supervisor of the town. He died 
in 1718 at about the age of 80 years. 

Among his children were Thomas* and John*. 
In 1724 Thomas* sold his house in Easthampton, 
and came to Smithtown. Among his children were 
ThomasS born in 1710; Timothy*, born in 1713, 
and Jeremiah^, born in 1723. 

Thomas'* and Timothy* settled in the IsHp part 
of Hauppauge. Thomas* built his house near 
where the store and Post Office now stands. Tim- 



«9 



othy^'s residence was about a mile further west on 
the King's Highway, later known as the "Old 
Country Road." The house is now owned and oc- 
cupied by the family of the late Henry Wills. 
These residences gave to the place the name of 
"Wheeler's," by which it was known in early rec- 
ords. The Wheeler places were a landmark for 
many of the highways and boundaries in that part 
of the town. As Thomas Wheeler*'s house was 
built before the road between Islip and Smithtown 
was laid out, it apparently stands in the highway. 

Thomas^ had children. They were DanieP, born 
January 3, 1740; Elizabeth^ July 15, 1741 ; Jonas^ 
April 4, .1743; SibyP, September 10, 1744; 
Phoebe^ April 25, 1746; Sarah^ April 25, 1748; 
Thomas^, January 12, 1752; Thomas^ April 7, 
1753; Tabatha^ March 8, 1756; Samuel^, January 
3, 1762. 

Daniel^ "followed the water." He had a son 
Daniel® that went by the name of "Lawyer Buck," 
who inherited and lived in a place belonging to his 
uncle Thomas. This is the same place that Harry 
Griffin now occupies. 

Elizabeth'^ married James Payne, and was 
mother of Thomas** and Jonas Payne**. Thomas" 
married Charity, and Jonas" married Temperance, 
sisters of James and Alexander Smith. Thomas'^' 
was father of Jonas Wheeler'^, James Smith^ and 
Frank Payne^. He also had daughters'^ that mar- 
ried two of the L'Hommedieu brothers, Smith and 
David. William L'Hommedieu^ of Smithtown 
Branch is a son of Smith; he also had a daughter^ 



20 



that married John Wells of Sayville, and they were 
the parents of a former Sheriff of Suffolk County®. 
Amanda^ the present wife of Edward Y. Blyden- 
burgh, is David's daughter. 

Jonas Wheeler^ built his house about half a mile 
west of his father's, on land purchased of Joshua 
Smith, so he became a resident of Smithtown. He 
married Ruth, sister of the third Joseph Blyden- 
burgh, and they were the parents of Richard" 
("Judge Wheeler"), Almeda« and Elizabeth^. 
Judge Wheeler married his cousin, Phoebe, daugh- 
ter of Jacob. Ruth' and Richard Bartlett^ were 
their children. Almeda*^ married Isaac Lewis, and 
after his death she married Daniel Hubbs, father 
of George K. Hubbs. EHzabeth^ married Garret 
Darling, and after her death Garret Darling mar- 
ried his cousin, Mary Darling. They had a daugh- 
ter, Celia, that married Jonas Beecher Blyden- 
burgh, and another that was the wife of Brewster 
Pederick. 

Sibyl^ married Conkling, and was mother of 

Thomas Wheeler Conkling^, who married Phoebe 
Stage. Their children were Cornelius^, Erastus'^, 
Phoebe Kersiah' and Julia Ann'. Cornelius' mar- 
ried a sister of Dr. Jarvis R. Mowbray of Bayshore. 
Erastus' married Lydia, daughter of Thomas W. 
Wood; Phoebe K.' never married and Julia Ann' 
married Richard Bartlett, her second cousin. 

Phoebe^, the third daughter, married her cousin. 
Jacob Wheeler^ son of Timothy^; their children 
were Elkanah® and Isaac^ Elkanah« was the 
father of Fletcher E. Wheeler', Wesley' and Mary 

21 



jane'^, who married Capt. Elijah Brush and lived in 
Smithtown Branch. Isaac*^ was father of Sarah'', 
from whom the McCrone family have descended, 

and Margaret^, who married Sweezy and lived 

on the Southside. 

The fourth daughter, Sarah*^, married 

Blatchley and lived in Commack. Among their 
children were Carl*', Susan^ and Experience^. Su- 
san^ married Weeks, and Experience® married 

Hafif, and was mother of Daniel Haff^ of Say- 

ville, the step-father of John Wood.* 

His son Thomas^ married Phoebe , he had 

his father's place. Their only child, Julia®, died 
about 14 years of age, so his place was inherited by 
his nephew, Thomas Wheeler Conkling®. 

Tabatha^ married Theophilus Wood, and was 
mother of Thomas Wheeler Wood®. She lived 
about a mile east of her father's place, on the corner 
of Blydenburgh's Road. 

Samuel^'^, the youngest child, when in Haup- 
pauge, lived on what was later known as "The 
Sammy Payne place," lately sold to the Wikerts. 
He moved to Canajoharie, New York. 

Among Timothy^'s children were George^ Ja- 
cob^, Timothy^ and William^. 

George^ settled in Smithtown, near Theophilus 
Wood. He had sons, George®, Timothy®, Isaac® 
and Benjamin®. George® the second had the home- 
stead, and was father of Walter', Sarah Catherine', 
Ann Maria' and Zalmon', who died when a young 

♦John Wood was County Clerk of Suffolk County and a 
prominent man. He lived at Sayville and wrote a flhort his/- 
torical sketch of that village. — Editor. 

22 



man. Walter^'s first wife was Henrietta Payne; 
they had no children. His second wife was a 
daughter of Alden L'Hommedieu, and they lived 
at Stony Brook, and had several children. Sarah 
Catherine'^ married a man by the name of Fitch- 
ett, and Ann Maria' married Zenas Ivins, and 
their son, George W. Ivins^, was a well-known 
conductor on the Long Island Railroad. Timothy* 
moved to the city. Isaac* lived in the house next 
north of his father's; his children were Havens'. 
Charles Wesley', William' and Mary Ann'^. Ben- 
jamin* married Elouisa, daughter of Nathaniel 
Bunce. They lived where Patrick Delany now 

stays. He sold the place to Crump, then built 

the house on the Atzburger place. Their children 
were Elizabeth', Ester', George Ed.^ and Alfred'. 
Jacob*, father of Elkanah* and Isaac*, had his 
father's place, and when his wife and cousin, 
Phoebe'* (daughter of Thomas^), died, he married 
Temperance, daughter of the second Joseph Bly- 
denburgh. 

Their children were Jacob*, Joshua*, Phoebe* 
and Clarissa*. Jacob* married a widow, that was 
**Betsy" Rolph before she married her first hus- 
band. Their children were William Jewett'^ and 
Clarissa'. William Jewett' married Ann, daugh- 
ter of Piatt Wicks of Commack, and they had one 
son, Jacob Piatt Wheeler*, now of Northport. 
Clarissa' married Isaac W. Blydenburgh ; they also 
had one son, Edward Y. Blydenburgh*, now living 
in Smithtown Branch. 

Joshua* married Jerusha Ruland; their children 



n 



were Egbert^, Charles", Richard Rogers"', Jane 
Maria'', Temperance'' and Joshua''. 

Phoebe^ married ''Judge Wheeler," and Clarissa" 
married Frederick Wheeler, the second Timothy's 
son. 

Jacob" and Joshua" built their houses near each 
other on the "New Highway," north of the old 
homestead. 

Timothy^ the second had his house next west of 
his father's place. Harry Blydenburgh lived there 
at one time. 

William^ lived on what is now known as the 
"Sanford place." 

Fletcher E. Wheeler'', son of Elkanah", built the 
house on the hill east of his father's, where he lived 
with his wife Hannah, daughter of Charles Hubbs. 

Isaac Wheeler", the progenitor of Margaret'' and 
Sarah'', lived in the small house at the beginning of 
Wheeler's road. 

The last Wheeler house in the place was built 
about 1856, by Richard B. Wheeler'', a great-grand- 
son of both Thomas'* and Timothy Wheeler^. It is 
now the home of A. W. Sanford. 

The name of Wheeler, so long associated with 
Hauppauge, is now lost in the surging sea of 
humanity. Of all the Wheeler homes that made 
the village of Sweet Waters, but one has descended 
to their heirs. It is Joshua"'s place, owned by the 
heirs of his daughter, Mrs. J. M. Germond''. The 
Wheeler name, associated with the place for about 
150 years, lives only in the history of the past. 



24 



THE SMITHS 



Among the first settlers of Southampton was 
Richard SmytheS who secured the patent to the 
land on each side of the Nissequogue River from 
the Duke of York and also from the Indian Chief, 
Nassekeag. He has long been known to posterity 
as "The Bull Rider." It was said of him that he 
bargained with the Indians for as much land as he 
could ride around in a day on his bull. The place 
was then known as the Nisaquake land, while now 
1)ut a small portion of the land and the river bears 
the name of Nissequogue. It is all known as 
Smithtown. 

Among Richard Smythe's nine children was 
Daniel'^ who left, among his children, Daniel^ the 
second. In the division of the town among the 
Smith heirs, the land in Hauppauge fell to the sec- 
ond Daniel^ and his sister, Deborah^ DanieP 
l)Oueht his sister's share for either five or ten 
pounds and became sole proprietor. Among his 
children were Caleb^ and Joshua^ to whom he be- 
queathed the Hauppauge lands. 

Joshua^'s house was built somewhere about 
1769, not far west of Thomas Wheeler's, and here 
lived his son, Joshua Smith, Jr.^ and grandson, 
Joshua B. Smith^ and great-granddaughter, Ellen 

25 



Smith^ until 1861, when she married Dr. Jarvis R. 
Mowbray of Bayshore. 

In 1868 the farm was sold and now the place re- 
mains as it was 40 years ago, excepting for the 
ravages of old age. But time has dealt gently with 
the old landmark, and it still stands a reminder of 
those bygone days when the tillers of the soil were 
the aristocrats of Hauppauge. 

Caleb'*'s house was built west of the west brook 
on the hill. In 1798, Caleb Smith^ Jr., Isaac Bly- 
denburgh and Joshua Smith^, Jr., made an agree- 
ment to build a dam for a mill pond and erect what 
was known for a time as the "New Mills."* Caleb 
Smith^, Jr., lived at Commackf; his daughter** 
married "Major 'Nezer®," half-brother of Joshua 
B. Smith^, and lived on the Caleb place in Haup- 
pauge. Their children were Aaron^, Joshua B.'^. 
Caleb'^, Ethelbert'^, Cordelia^ and Elizabeth^. 

It remained in the Major's family until 1907, 
when the Major's son, Joshua B. Smith'^, died. He 
was the last Bull Smith to live in Hauppauge, and 
now the place belongs to (the) Bull. (Present 
owner's name is Bull.) 

*Now generally spoken of as Blydenburgh's Mills. — Editor. 

fHis residence is now owned by Carll S. Burr and lies very 
near the Huntington boundary line. — Editor. 



26 



THE BLYDENBURGHS 



Augustine Blydenburgh^ was a Hollander, who, 
in 1676, lived with his wife Silvesta in what is now 
Stone street. New York, where he owned two 
houses. He died in 1686, leaving a last will now on 
file in the New York Surrogate's Office. He had 
children, Joseph^, William-, Benjamin'', Samuel" 
and Mary^, wife of Harmon King of Flushing. 

Joseph- was admitted a freeman of the city in 
1691, together with his brother, Benjamin^. In the 
same year he was elected Constable of the Dock 
Ward. In 1693 he bought of Thomas Lloyd of 
Philadelphia the property, seemingly, on which the 
Trinity building now stands. In 1696 he fitted out 
some ten or a dozen mariners for the expedition on 
the ship Adventure, galley ; Capt. William Kidd, 
commander; taking their bonds in payment condi- 
tioned on the results of the voyage. 

In 1697 he gives twelve shillings toward glazing 
Trinity Church. He went to Smithtown about the 
year 1700, having previously married Deborah, 
daughter of Jonathan Smith, eldest son of the pat- 
entee, and established the ancestral home of the 
Blydenburghs of Long Island across the road from 
where the Presbyterian Church now stands. The 
house now being torn down, has long been pointed 



27 



out as the place where Washington took dinner 
when he made the tour of the Island. (The skep- 
ticism of today that does not accept the stories of 
the Bible as literally true, doubts the legend of the 
Bull Rider, or that Washington ever visited Smith- 
town.*) 

Joseph^'s wife, Deborah, died, and he married 
"Collosia," and had a son, Joseph^, who married 
Charity Saxton and lived at Stony Brook. Being 
something of a sport, his fortune soon ran so low 
that he came to the wilderness of Hauppauge to 
recuperate it. It was said of him that he could 
work as well as sport. 

East of what is now known as Blydenburgh's 
road and on the King's Highway, he bought a 
tract of land of Landlord Nicoll, the owner of Islip 
town, and there made his home, which proved to be 
the "Mecca" of more than one susceptible Haup- 
pauge youth that would pay his devotions at the 
shrine of the little god of hearts. His house was 
built east of where the barn now stands. In 1797, 
his son James^ built the present house. 

His children were Joseph^, Daniel^, James'*. 
Mary**, Nancy"*, Catherine'*, Ruth'*, Temperance'*, 
William"* and Charity*, who died young. 

Joseph"* lived from 1732 to 1833. He married 
Nancy, sister of James and Alexander Smith, and 
lived in a house not far from Thomas Wheeler's, 
now a part of the house called "Locustdale." 

♦Washington passed through Smithtown during his tour of 
Long Island and there seems to be no reason to doubt the 
statement that he dined at the Blydenburgh house. It stood 
on the road that Washin^on travelled over. — Editor. 

2 8 



Among his children were Selah^, DanieF and 
John^. Selah'^ married Jane Ruland, and they were 
the parents of Luther^, Deborah®, Harriet^ and 

Elizabeth^. Harriet^ married Runyon, and 

Elizabeth^ married Isaac Smith, and they both 
moved out to lUinois. 

DanieP was father of several children. He had 
two wives. In his family were Joseph^. Thomas®, 
Wessels^ Richard^ Smith®, Selah®, Nathan® and 
two daughters®. 

Joseph® was father of Joseph Bennett'^, Alfred'^ 
and William" of Bayshore. 

Wessels® was father of Isaac W. Blydenburgh"^. 

Joseph^'s son Daniel^ was killed in the French 
War. 

William"* married Joanna Longbotham, and was 
father of Harry Blydenburgh^, who distinguished 
himself by marrying four times. One of his wives 
was Clarissa, daughter of Jacob and widow of 
Frederick Wheeler. 

James^ married Alma Davis of Mount Sinai. His 
children were Samuel''', born October 11, 1789; 
Temperance^, April 16, 1791 ; Elizabeth^, June 8, 
1793; Nathaniel, December 9, 1794; Clarissa^ 
September, 1797; James^, December 7, 1800; Char- 
ity^ March 18, 1804; Catherine^ May 5, 1806. 

Mary^ married Bennett Dayton. 

Nancy^ married Caleb iSTewton, and lived at the 
Great Pond (Lake Ronkonkoma). 

Catherine^ married James Smith, and lived in 
Hauppauge. 

Ruth'* married Jonas Wheeler, and also lived in 



29 



Hanppauge. Temperance^ was the second wife of 
Jacob Wheeler. 

John^ son of Joseph^, was father of Jonas 
Beecher Blydenburgh", who married Ceha, daugh- 
ter of Garret Darhng. They Hved while in Haup- 
pauge, where Mr. Turick now lives. 

Selah^'s son, Luther*^, was one of those necessary 
autocrats that even a republic must endure. The 
pedagogue's sceptre was his emblem of authority. 
He went to Hardscrabble to "Teach the young idea 
to shoot," and while there got badly struck by one 
of Cupid's random shots. As sympathetic woman 
is a natural-born nurse in that malady that is ever 
diagnosed as either passion or love, Amy Saxton 
was the specialist that came with him to Haup- 
pauge and devoted her life to the victim of Cupid's 
thoughtless prank. 

One family of three generations of their descend- 
ants are the only Blydenburghs left in the place. 



30 



A FEW LATER FAMILIES 



WOOD 

When Southampton was settled about 1640, 
there were two persons by the name of Jonas Wood 
that were the pioneers of the place. To distinguish 
them, one went by the name of Jonas Wood of Hal- 
ifax. He lived in Southampton, and was afterward 
the founder of Huntington. The other, Jonas 
Wood of Oram, settled in the North Sea commun- 
ity, and he probably was the ancestor of Richard 
Wood\ who kept a public house in Southampton, 
as this Richard WoodS in his will dated August 17, 
1731, gives to his son Silas^, his dwelling in the 
"North Sea bound." 

Richard Wood^ married Hannah, daughter of 
Thomas Reeve. Their children were Hannah^, 
born February 9, 1705; Phoebe^, born October 28, 
1709; James^, born March 13, 1711 or 12; Mat- 
thew^ born March 6, 1715 or 16; Theophilus'^ 
born May 11, 1718; Abraham^, August 14, 1721; 
Silas^, :fune 16, 1724. 

iTheir son Theophilus^ moved up in Orange 
County, and settled near St. Andrews. He married 
and in his family were Abraham^ Simeon^ and 

3? 



Theophilus'. 

During the Revolutionary War he and his son 
Theophilus, Jr.', enhsted in the Continental Army. 

The son was made a prisoner by the British, and 
being a wheelwright by trade, was made to work 
\vhen so weak he could scarcely stand. He finally 
made his escape, and a woman's pity took him in 
and cared for him. When he heard the British at 
the door inquiring for their prisoner, he shouted 
out that he was Theophilus Wood, but his pro- 
tector told them it was only a sick man out of his 
head who thought he was Theophilus Wood, and 
he did not know what he was saying. They went 
on — a woman's wit saved him. 

He had some cousins by the name of Carll at 
Dix Hills, Long Island, and he finally came there, 
and from there he came to Hauppauge, where he 
surrendered again, and this time he did not escape, 
as he was made a prisoner for life by Tabatha, 
youngest daughter of Thomas Wheeler. 

He bought a farm of 300 acres of the commis- 
sioners of the Nicoll patent, bounded on the east by 
the Blydenburgh road. He paid 100 pounds for the 
tract. 

They had two daughters* that died young, and 
one son, Thomas Wheeler Wood"*. Theophilus 
died when his son was young and was buried in the 
Wheeler graveyard near Timothy Wheeler's. His 
widow now having a chance to marry again im- 
proved her opportunity and married Alexander 
Hubbs, son of James Hubbs. They had one child 
that died young. It was not long that she enjoyed 



32 



her second marriage; again the widow's weeds she 
bore. The third and last call she had was from 
Nathaniel Bunce, whose daughter Eloiiisa married 
Benjamin Wheeler. Her last venture she survived 
over seventeen years. 

Thomas Wheeler Wood"* was born Dec. 2, 1791, 
married in 1816 Jane, daughter of Alexander and 
Lydia (Ruland) Smith, who had moved from Ron- 
konkoma to Hauppauge. Their children were : 

Theophilus^; born 1816, died 1822. 

Mary H.^; born 1819, married Moses R. Smith. 
Her six children were : Emmett W.^, Wilmot M.*^, 
who afterwards became a judge of the Supreme 
Court of New York; Herman T.^ Theron L.^, 
Mary C.« and Ellen L.«. She died 1907. 

Lydia M.^; born 1821, married Erastus A. Conk- 
ling. Among her ten children were : Caroline Cor- 
nelia*^, Thomas M.*^, Elbert E.^, Annie'' and Ray- 
mond«. She died in 1898. 

Theophilus^; born 1823, died 1825. 

Almeda Jane^; born 1826, died 1849. 

Thomas W.''; born 1828, married Elmira Hawk- 
ins. Among his eleven children were : Ashbel F.*\ 
Clayton E.^ Pearcy^, Raymond^ and Eva''. He 
died in 1891. 

Sarah M.^; born 1830, married Charles Willits. 
Her children were : Edmond K.", Jane W.^, Phebe'' 
and Lewis^. She died in 1866. 

Cornelia C.^ born 1833, died 1837. 

Theophilus B.^; born 1836, married Mary Steph- 
enson. Of their nine children, seven are living: 
Lydia^ Theophilus^, Mary^, Jane«, Edith«, El- 



33 



bert* and Raymond^. Mr. Wood lived in Missouri. 
Simeon^, the author of this History of Haup- 
pauge, was born in 1839 and married Fannie V. Ed- 
wards. Their children were: Wilmot B.^ (died), 
Everett R.^ George*' (died), Bertha V.^ who mar- 
ried Andrew Henry Vollbracht of East Islip on 
June 9, 1915, Ethel A.«, Mabel I.^ Harold^ and 
Parker E.^. Mr. Wood died at Hauppauge Dec. 3, 
1914. 

Lewis S.'^; born 1841, died 1857. 



34 



ROLPH 

Benjamin Rolph, who died in 1832, and Sarah 
Rolph, who died in 1843, lived in different houses 
in the place, and had quite a number of girls that 
proved as attractive to the gallants of that genera- 
tion as the Blydenburgh girls did to the one previ- 
ous. 

"Betsey" married the second Jacob Wheeler; 
they were the parents of William Jewett and Clar- 
issa. 

"Beckey" married Daniel Smith, son of James 
Smith. They Hved in the house where Frank R. 
Nichols now lives. Their children were Daniel Al- 
fred, Martha Amelia, Moses Rolph and Charles 
Carpenter. 

Hannah Oakley lived at West Hills. 

"Sally" married Joshua Brush, and lived on the 
place next north of George Wheeler's. It was 
sometimes called "the Hay Hollow." Ethelbert 
and George were their sons. 

"Phene" married Alexander Smith, Jr., and lived 
on his father's place next to James Smith's. Their 
family was Theressa, Almeda, Addie, Erastus, Jar- 
vis and Ralph. After their father died, the family 
went to the city. 

"Fanny" married Ira Hubbs, and lived in Com- 



35 



Hiack. Hon. Orlando Hubbs, ex-Congressman, 
ex-Assemblyman and State Senator, is her grand- 
son. 



SMITH AGAIN 



When the third Joseph Blydenburgh"* was seek- 
ing a partner to go in the business of making a 
home, he found his affinity in the smiles and 
blushes of Nancy Smith, who lived at the "Great 
Pond" (now Ronkonkoma). To her he told that 
enchanting story, where romance talks reason 
Idind. 

When sly Cupid wounds the heai-t 

Reason sighs, "Love is blind." 
Roused to action by his fatal dart 

Passion sees what Reason cannot find. 

As "all is fair in love and war," he brought a 
i)ride from the "Sand Pond,"* to the "Sweet 
Water" land, and part of the house that is now 
"Locustdale" w^as the home of four generations of 
Blydenburghs. 

Legend has it that Nancy's ancestors came over 
from England to help build Trinity Church in New 
York City; then came and settled on the place now 
called "Sandy Garth," the home of Maude Adams. f 

*Meaning Lake Ronkonkoma. — Editor. 
fLocated east of Lake Ronkonkoma. — Editor. 

36 



In her family were Alexanders JamesS Temper- 
ance' and Charity' Smith, all her brothers and sis- 
ters. 

James' married Catherine, sister of Joseph Bly- 
denbiirgh; Daniel^ and Wessels^ were their sons. 

Temperance' married Jonas Payne, and Charity' 
married Thomas Payne, EHzabeth Wheeler's sons. 

James' and Alexander' came to Hauppauge and 
bought land of their brother-in-law, Joseph Bly- 
denburgh, for one dollar an acre. Each had 100 
acres. The land was next to Theophilus Wood's 
])urchase. 

Alexander' married Lydia Ruland, sister of Se- 
lah Blydenburgh's wife, Jane. Their children were 

Elizabeth-, who married Mapes; Fanny^, 

who changed her name to Ward ; Nancy^ was Har- 
ley Longbotham's wife; Almeda- married Richard 
Gildersleeve; Jane^ married Thomas W. Wood; 
Minerva^ married John Newton; and Alexander- 
married "Phene" Rolph. 

The descendants of Jane^ are the only ones Hv- 
ing in the place. In her family of eleven was Mary 
H.^ her eldest daughter, who died in 1907, aged 88 
years. 

She married Moses R. Smith, son of Daniel 
Smith, and they were the parents of Emmet W.S 
VVillmot M.\ Herman T.\ Theron L.\ Mary C.'^ 
and Ellen L. Smith*. 

The second daughter, Lydia^, married Erastus 

37 



A. Conkling, and of her family there is but one li 



insr. 



After the two older girls married, the family 
moved to Dix Hills, and lived there 13 years, then 
moved back on the old place. 



38 



JACOBUS HUBBS AND HIS DESCENDANTS 

Jacobus HubbsS probably a resident of Hunt- 
ington, had a son James^, who came to Smithtown 
and bought a farm south of the "Branch" brook. 

Among his sons were Alexander^, Charles^, 
DanieP and Ira Hubbs^ . 

By his first wife, DanieP was the father of 
George K. Hubbs^. His second wife was Almeda, 
widow of Isaac Lewis, and sister of "Judge" 
Wheeler. His son George^ identified himself with 
Hauppauge by teaching school and marrying Ruth, 
daughter of the "Judge." 

Ira^ Hved near where the Cathohc Church now 
stands, before he moved to Commack. He mar- 
ried Fanny Rolph. 

Alexander* married Theophilus Wood's widow, 
and lived with her on her farm as long as he lived. 
Charles* married Freelove Wicks. He had a 
blacksmith shop near Thomas Wheeler's. His 
children were Hannah* and Jonas'*, that made 
Hauppauge history. 

Hannah-* married Fletcher E. Wheeler, and their 
children were John Fletcher^ Andrew^ Erastus^ 
Francis^ Harriet Jane'^ and Wesley J. Wheeler^ 

Jonas'* married Susan Nichols; Warren^ and 
WilHam C.^ were their sons. 



39 



Charles^ was celebrated as a joker, and his 
mantle has fallen (somewhat out of shape) to his 
grandson Warren^, the present patriarch of that 
branch of humanity in Hauppauge. 



40 



ELIJAH PRICE AND HIS CHILDREN 

Among- the inspiring events of the Revolution, 
none looms brighter than the famous crossing of 
the Delaware River by the immortal Washington. 

Among that determined band of ill-fed, barefoot 
soldiers who postponed the return of Cornwallis to 
r^ngland was Elijah Priced who faithfully served 
his country all through the war. 

After the surrender of Cornwallis when the 
founders of the new nation were returning to home 
and friends, among the maidens that welcomed the 
heroes of war with the flowers of peace as they 
-were crossing Trenton Bridge, was one that be- 
came the wife of Elijah Price. 

Among the early industries of Hauppauge was a 
tan-yard and a fulling mill. "A bunch of maple 
sprouts near Timothy Wheeler's tan-yard" is men- 
tioned in the records of Smithtown as the bound- 
ary mark between Smithtown and Islip. They 
stood near the springs from which Hauppauge de- 
rived its name. 

The fulling mill was by a pond on what was 
known for a number of years as, "The Woolley 
Place."* 



*The Woolley place gets the name from its being pur- 
chased in the 60's by Milton Woolley, a distiller in Brooklyn, 
of a Frenchman named Louis Lapenz. — Editor. 



41 



Elijah Price^ and his wife came here from New 
Jersey and hved in a house that stood across the 
road from Joshua Wheeler's, and he had charge of 
the fulling mill. 

Sidney^ and Charles^ were their sons. They had 
a daughter Amelia- that married Alexander Soper. 
and there was another daughter that married Na- 
than Woodhull. It was their daughter Maria 
Woodhull^ that married the second James Blyden- 
burgh, and they were the parents of the present 
James D. Blydenburgh^. 

Charles^ lived where E. D. Hahn now lives ; his 
first wife left no children. His second wife was 
mother of George^, Charles^ and a daughter^. He 
parted with his place and moved over on ''The 
Nicoll Road." 

Sidney^ married Susan Tillotson, a daughter of 
Sarah, sister of Jane and Lydia Ruland. 

Sidney^ and Susan had one child, an only son. 
Sandford Elijah Price^, whose oddities were the 
proverbs of Hauppauge. 



STILL MORE SMITHS 



Zephaniah^ and Jonathan Smith^ were brothers 
of another family of Smiths that came to Haup- 
pauge at a more recent date. Jonathan^ brought 
his wife with him and settled just west of the 



42 



church. His descendants in the place are the fam- 
ily of Arthur W. Sanford. 

Zephaniah^ took for his wife one of the fair 
maidens of the land, Deborah, sister of Luther and 
daughter of Selah Blydenburgh. Their house, 
which was burned down, stood where Mr. Lands' 
house now stands, and there, as good citizens, they 
obeyed the injunction to "replenish the earth." 

Their son, Henry^ lately celebrated his 83rd 
birthday by sitting for his portrait with his great- 
grandchild on his knee. As he distinctly remem- 
bers his great-grandfather, he can boast of know- 
ing seven generations of his family. 

Zephaniah's sons have all left the place, but most 
of his daughters are here, and they and their de- 
scendants are more numerous than any other fam- 
ily ancient or modern in Hauppauge. 

They comprise the families of Sarah Jane Soper, 
George Augustus Cornish, George E. Cornish, 
Warren J. Hubbs, Warren S. Hubbs, William E. 
Hubbs, Nathaniel Raynor. Harry Griffin, William 
Olivie and Grant Chidchester. 



ANOTHER PRICE 

It was the vulgar name of a ''clam peddler" that 
Lsaac Brown bore when he journeyed from the 
Southside to Hauppauge with his load of bivalves. 
On one of his trips he brought along George Price, 
a relative of the Landlord NicoU family. 



43 



George was in search of a wife. When he beheld 
the comely Sarah Wheeler, Brown gave him fifteen 
minutes to decide whether he should seek any 
farther. 

In the prescribed time, cautious Cupid poising 
his shaft, saw them yield to cruel fate, and dropped 
a tear as he returned his arrov/ to its quiver. 

Romance is moonlight, morbid fancies our ideals frame. 
Fate is sunlight, we see our follies, then Cupid blame. 

Price's people were magnanimous. They did 
not wish to deprive their new relative of her old 
associations, so in the generosity of their hearts^ 
they bought Wessels Blydenburgh's place and 
gave the bride a home and incidentally Hauppauge 
a new citizen. 



McCRONE 

The Price's daughter, Penelope Jane, ventured 
on that treacherous sea of which normal youth is 
ever dreaming, under conditions similar to her 
mother's. 

Andrew Hamilton brought his friend George 
McCrone from the city, and invited her to meet 
him at dinner. 

Without the preliminary moonlight strolls and 
spooning nonsense, their souls communed with the 
banquet's cheer, and ere they left the festal board 
agreed one fate to share. 



44 



That interesting spot is now "home sweet home" 
to three generations of McCrones. 



RETROSPECTION 



"The Wheelers," "The Smiths," and "The Bly- 
denburghs," first famihes of Hauppauge, where 
are they today? Where are those names so long 
associated with the Land of Sweet Waters? 

The Wheeler name is no longer in the place, but 
as distance lends enchantment to the view, a few 
can boast of being descendants of the pioneers of 
this little village that has not yet awoke to the 
charms of its natural beauty. 

"The Smiths" have disappeared entirely, not 
even a descendant left; and one small house con- 
tains all that is left of "The Blydenburghs." 



45 



THE CHURCH 



The first Church erected in Smithtovvn was a 
Presbyterian Church built at Nissequogue. In 
1750 it was moved to the "Branch" and in 1827 
the old building was taken to the "New Mills" and 
used as a woolen factory and the present Church 
erected in its place. 

This undoubtedly is the reason why the Bull 
Smiths of Hauppauge went to the Branch to meet- 
ing; it was the Church of their fathers. 

The Wheelers originally Presbyterian, were won 
over to the Methodists by the itinerant preachers, 
and in 1806, they met in the school-house and or- 
ganized a Church Society. Their first meeting- 
house was an unfinished room in the upper story 
of Richard Wheeler's house. 

Soon after the Society was formed, the Church 
building was commenced on land given the Society 
by Joshua Smith, Jr. He gave a plot of ground, 
eight rods square, which was increased to its pres- 
ent size by his son, Joshua B. Smith. 

In the minutes of the Trustees' book for the 
year 1807 the folowing names were entered, being 
of those entitled to vote at the election of Trustees: 

Elkanah Wheeler, Timothy Wheeler, Jacob 
Wheeler, George Wheeler, Isaac Wheeler, Sr., 

46 



Isaac Nichols, Wickham Wheeler, Richard 
Wheeler, John Combs, Benjamin Jarrard, George 
Burton, Jacob Wheeler, Jr., Paul Nichols, John 
Wicks, Jacob Nichols, Ira Hubbs, Jeremiah Shad- 
don, Isaac Jarrard. 

The following reminiscence of the struggles of 
a hundred years ago may be of interest at the pres- 
ent time. Instead of cutting froHcs to raise money 
as they did then, the brethren would depend on the 
"Ladies' Aid" to help them out. 

"When they were raising money to build the 
Church, my grandfather gave enough standing 
timber to make ten cords of wood as his subscrip- 
tion. The people interested made what was called 
in those days a cutting froHc, to cut the wood. A 
young man by the name of Henry Burton came to 
help, but finding that they had no rum, he left 
without doing anything. 

"Cutting frolics were common occurrences a 
century ago and it was more common for some of 
the party to get intoxicated before the frolic was 
over. To the credit of the Methodists, this was a 
temperance party, the people doing the work and 
going home sober; no doubt feeling thankful for 
the privilege of doing something for Him Who had 

done so much for us." 

JAMES D. BLYDENBURGH. 

The following record was taken from the record- 
ing Steward's book of the Smithtown circuit, now 
in'the Methodist Historical Library, 150 Fifth Ave- 
nue, New York City. It was copied for this sketch 

47 



I>y Mrs. Olive B. Washburne, a granddaughter of 
Elbert Osborn, who was on the Smithtown circuit 
in 1842 and 1843. 

"The Hauppauge Church was built in the year 
1806, the following named persons contributed: 

Jacob Wheeler $50.00 

Timothy Wheeler 20.00 

Isaac Nichols 10.00 

John Combs 10.00 

Tabatha Hubbs 5.00 

George Burton 10.00 

Geo. Wheeler 25.00 

Woods Smith 10.00 

Daniel Smith 10.00 

Richard Wheeler 25.00 

Wm. Wheeler 10.00 

Selah Blydenburgh 1.00 

James Blydenl)urgh 10.00 

Alexander Smith 5.00 

Thomas Wheeler '. . . . 10.00 

Caleb Smith 20.00 

EHas Smith 5.00 

James Payne 10.00 

Mills Phillips 5.00 

Eliphalet Whitman 5.00 

B. B. Blydenburgh 5.00 

Epenetus Smith 5.00 

Wickham Wheeler 3.00 

Adam Darling 5.00 

Ebenezer Wheeler 4.00 

John Vail 2.00 

48 



Coe Searing 2.00 

Joseph R. Roe 2.50 

John Laws 3.00 

Caleb Newton 5.00 

Locea Huff 2.50 

Stephen Jayne 5.00 

Nathaniel Bnnce 3.00 

Moses Sair 1.00 

James S. Miller 2.00 

EHphalet Smith 1.00 

Azariah Weeks 3.00 

Hamelton Darling 4.00 

John Darling 3.00 

Samuel Hartt 6.00 

Adam Smith 2.00 

Peter Jayne 3.00 

Wm. C. Smith 2.00 

Wm. Blydenburgh , . . 2.00 

Rich. Blydenburgh 1.50 

Dan. Blydenburgh 5.00 

Joseph Jayne 2.20 

Ezra Tuttle 1.00 

Benjamin Walker 1.00 

"November 6, 1809, a meeting of the Society was 
held to aid in paying off the debt incurred in build- 
ing this M. E. Church, which resulted as follows: 

Jacob Wheeler $5.00 

Elkanah Wheeler 2.00 

Joshua Wheeler 1.25 

Jacob Wheeler, Jr 2.50 



49 



Abram Nichols 1.25 

Frederick Wheeler 1.00 

Wm. Wheeler 2.00 

Richard Wheeler 3.00 

Joseph B. Roe 1.00 

Isaac Hammond 1.00 

Justus Overton 1.00 

Goldsmith Davis 1.00 

Daniel Yarrington 2.50 

Jonas Payne 1.00 

Mills Phillips 2.50 

Epenetus Smith 2.00 

Wm. Blydenburgh 2.00 

Benjamin Walker, Jr 1.00 

Thomas Wheeler 1.00 

Wickham Mills 1.10 

Nathaniel Smith 2.50 

Benj. B. Blydenburgh 2.00 

Wickham Wheeler 1.00 

Henry Blydenburgh 3.00 

Caleb Newton 2.00 

Jeny Wheeler 1.00 

Benjamin Jervis 2.00 

Eberin Mott 1.00 

Richard Smith, Jr 2.50 

Epenetus Oakley 2.00 

Jonas Newton 1.00 

Caleb Smith 1.00 

Daniel Smith 1.00 

Alexander Smith 1.00 

Nat. Conkling 1.00 

Jessie Davis 1.00 



5c 



Warren Smith 1.00 

Thomas W. Wood 1.25 

Nathaniel Bunce 1.00 

Geo. Wheeler 1.00 

Elias Smith 1.00 

Samuel Hartt 1.00 

Jeremiah Nbae 1.00 

Jeffrey A. Newkirk 1.00 

Charles Hallock 1.00 

Joel Rayner 50 

Geo. Davis 1.00 

John Newton 3.00 

Thomas Hallock 1.00 

John Wicks 5.00 

Isaac Mills 1.00 

Ebenezer Jayne 2.00 

Barnabas Wheeler 1.00 

Daniel Jones 2.00 

Benjamin Homan 50 

Joseph Ward 50 

Samuel Brush 50 

Samuel Smith 56 

John Darling, Jr 25 

Gamaliel Taylor 50 

Benj. W. Smith 50 

George Hallock 50 

Woodhull Smith 50 

Wm. Smith 75 

Isaac Smith 50 

John Hallock 50 

Wm. Tooker 50 

Ira Ketchum 50 



51 



John Bedell 25 

Foster Nubran 50 

Nehemiah Hyelur 25. 

Eliphalet Mowbray 25 

Stephen Thurber 25 

John Douglass 25 

Samuel Shing 50 

James Smith 50 

Joseph Blydenburgh 50 

James Mapes, Jr 25 

James Benjamin 50 

Gabriel Jayne 50 

Whitman West 25 

Aaron Ward 25 

Richard Geburlu 50 

Jessie Smith 25 

Daniel WilHts 50 

Medad Ryers 50 

Thomas Wheeler, Jr 25 

Joseph Gornes 50 

Amos Hiebur 25 

Selah Wicks 25 

David W. Smith . 25 

Charles Adams 25 

David Smith 50 

John Carll 25 

William Woodhull 50 

Saml. Smith 25 

John M. Williams 25 

Nathaniel Buffet : 25 

"March 19, 1816, at a meeting held for the pur- 

52 



pose of improving the comforts of the Church, now 
having been enclosed and occupied with benches 
made of slabs of boards, on which the congrega- 
tion have sat for the last ten years, from Sabbath 
to Sabbath listening to the invitation to the Gospel 
as presented from the pulpit (composed of rough 
boards) by the pioneers of the M. E. Church, such 
as Rev. Joseph Crawford, Carpenter, Richmond, 
Canfield, Bushnell, Presiding Elder Freeborn, 
Garretson, Ward, Schofield, Renolds, Elder Sam- 
uel Merwin, Northup and Stewart." 

It was at this meeting they determined to put up 
a decent pulpit, and seat comfortably the lower 
part of the Church, leaving the upper part to finish 
in the Autumn. 

Subscriptions were as follows: 

Jacob Wheeler $13.00 

Elkanah Wheeler 7.00 

Richard Wheeler 12.00 

Samuel Brush 5.50 

Wickham Wheeler 4.00 

Caleb Smith 10.00 

James Payne 5.00 

Daniel Smith 4.00 

Jacob Wheeler, Jr 7.00 

Timothy Wheeler 6.00 

Joshua Smith 6.00 

William Smith 5.00 

Geo. W^heeler 10.00 

James Smith 50 

Wood Smith 2.50 



53 



Henry Conkling 2.50 

Chas. H. Harris 1.50 

Paul Nichols 1.00 

David Nichols 1.00 

Gamahel Taylor 50 

Ohver Smith 3.00 

Geo. Wheeler, Jr 3.00 

Moses Brush 5.00 

John Vail 1.00 

Jonathan Brush 50 

Epenetus Oakley 2.00 

Samuel Brown 50 

Geo. Miller 75 

Curtis Rogers 2.00 

Eliphalet Whitman 3.00 

Mills Phillips 1.00 

Thomas W. Wood 5.00 

Isaac Blydenburgh 2.00 

John Newton 3.00 

Thomas Wheeler 4.00 

Tho. W. Jayne 50 

Tho. Brush 50 

Ebenezer Jayne 4.00 

Peter Darling 1.00 

Thomas Hallock 3.00 

Charles A. Floyd 1.00 

Epenetus Smith 2.50 

Richard O. Taylor 1.00 

Henry Blydenburgh 1.00 

Elias Smith 5.00 

Peter M. E. Gurney 1.00 

Jacob Nichols 2.00 



54 



Benjamin Jarrard 1.00 

Leonard Smith 50 

Samuel W. Smith 1.00 

Friend 2.00 

Daniel Hubbs 3.00 

"Early in June the Church was finished so far as 
the pulpit, and seats were contemplated by this 
last effort, and the recorder of this recollects when 
in June, Wm. Jewett, and Fitch Reed, occupied the 
pulpit on their way to the Quarterly meeting at 
held June, 1817." 

When the Church was first built the sides and 
roof were covered with three-foot shingles, and 
the pulpit was level with the gallery. 

In 1828, it was decided to plaster the Church and 
have new seats. About 1833 a parsonage was 
built, which was first occupied by John Lovejoy in 
1833. 

It was used as a parsonage until 1848, when 
Stony Brook and Port Jefferson were taken from 
the circuit. 

Francis C. Hill was the last to occupy it. It was 
then sold and has been known ever since as the 
"Adriance place." 

In 1861 the shingles were replaced by clapboard 
siding and the window frames were extended to 
cover both lower and upper windows, and blinds 
were added. 

In 1866 J. H. Stansbury was on the circuit, and 
during his pastorate most of the churches in his 
charge were remodelled. In the Hauppauge 



55 



Church the pulpit was lowered, and the seats were 
changed so that the long ones were in the middle of 
the building, instead of under the galleries. When 
the church was finished this time, a small organ, its 
tirst musical instrument, was put in the gallery, and 
the two sexes ventured to break away from the old 
custom and sit in the same seat with each other. 

In 1895 the steeple and bell were added. The 
primitive tastes of its founders have disappeared 
in the soul's quest for the beautiful. 



Editor's Note — In 1906, the centennial year of the church, 
an historical pamphlet entitled, "One Hundred Years of 
Methodism at Hauppauge, L. I.," was published by the con- 
gregation. The work was compiled by Wesley J. Wheeler of 
Islip, a son of Fletcher E. Wheeler of Hauppauge. 



56 



THE METHODIST PREACHERS 

That have preached in Hauppauge, will be found 
in the following- chronology of preachers who have 
preached on the Island: 

1769_The first Methodist Society was organized 
at Newtown by Thomas Webb, a retired 
officer of the British army. He resided in 
Jamaica. 
]770_Joseph Pilmoor was pastor in New York 
and visited Newtown at intervals of a 
month until the close of the Revolution- 
ary War. 
1772 to 1784— The following preachers visited and 
preached on Long Island: Robert Wil- 
hams, Richard Boardman. Richard 
Wright, Thomas Rankin, James Demp- 
ster and Daniel Ruff. 
1784— John Dickens, founder of the Methodist 
Book Concern, was the New York 
preacher. 
1785_Phinip Cox was the first preacher appointed 

to Long Island. 
1786— PhiUip Cox and Ezekiel Cooper, who suc- 
ceeded John Dickens as head of the "Book 
Concern." 



57 



1787 — Thomas Ware, Peter Mority and Robert 
Cloud. Freeborn Garretson, Presiding 
Elder. 

1789 — William Phebiis and John Lee. 

1790 — David Kendall and Aaron Hunt. 

1791 — William Phebus and Benjamin Abbott. 

1792 to 1794 — In the itinerancy were John Ragan. 
James Boyd, Joseph Totten, George Stre- 
back, Robert and Sylvester Hutchinson, 
Lawrence McCloud. Jacob Rickhow, Tim- 
othy Dewey, Peter Jayne, David Buck, 
Andrew Nichols, Billy Hibbard, Jimmy 
Horton, Peter Cartwright and probably 
Lorenzo Dow\ 

1795 — Wilson Lee, John Clark, Sylvester Hutchin- 
son and Joseph Totten. 

1796 — John Clark, Jacob Rickhow, David Buck, 
Timothy Dewey and William Phebus. 
Freeborn Garretson, Presiding Elder. 

1797 — Joseph Totten, Andrew McNichols and Eb- 
enezer McLane. Sylvester Hutchinson 
and Freeborn Garretson, Presiding El- 
ders. 

1798 — David Brown and John Wilson. 

1799 — James Campbell and John Wilson. 

1800 — James Campbell and Samuel Merwin. I'^ree- 
born Garretson, Presiding Elder. 

1801— Peter Jayne and Billy Hibbard. 

1802 — David Buck and John Finnegan. 

1803 — Francis Ward, Sylvester Foster and John 
Finnegan. 

1804 — Francis Ward, Henry Fames and Henry 

58 



Redstone. William Thatcher, Presiding 
Elder. 

1805 — Henry Eames, John Finnegan and Henry 
Redstone. 

1806 — James Coleman and Mitchell B. Bull. 

1807 — Liiman Andrus and John Kline. Joseph 
Crawford, Presiding Elder. 

1808 — Nathan Emory and Nehemiah W. Tomp- 
kins. 

1809 — Francis Ward and William Phebus. 

1810 — Long Island circuit was divided; Jamaica 
on the west and Suffolk on the east. 

1810 — Henry Redstone, Coles Carpenter and Ste- 
phen Redstone. 

1811 — Ezekiel Canfield and Samuel Buslinell. Free- 
born Garretson, Presiding Elder. 

1812 — Samuel Bushnell, with local preachers. 

1813 — Francis Ward and David Wright. 

1814— John Clark. Arnold Schofield and Charles 
W. Carpenter. 

1815 — John Renolds, Olive Sykes and James Boyd. 

1816 — Beardsly Northup and Zalmon Stewart. 

1817 — William Jewett and Fitch Reed. 

1818— William Jewett and John M. Smith. 

1819 — Samuel Cochran and Ebenezer Brown. 

1820 — Reuben Harris and S. D. Ferguson. P. P. 
Sanford, Presiding Elder. 

1821 — Reuben Harris and Eli Dennison. 

1822 — Jacob Plall, Humphry Humphries and Rob- 
ert Francis. 

1823— Jacob Hall and W^illiam M. WiUit. 



59 



1824-^Henry Hatfield and Horace Bartlett. Laban 
Clark, Presiding Elder. 

1825— Horace Bartlett and John W. LeFevre. 

1826— Noble W. Thomas and John W. LeFevre. 

1827— Noble W. Thomas, Cyrus D. Foss and Oli- 
ver B. Amerman. 

1828 — Richard Seaman, O. B. Amerman, C. W. 
Carpenter, with Christopher R. Morris, 
supply. 

1829 — Josiah Bowen and Samuel Drake. 

1830 — Josiah Bowen and Edward Olden. 

1831 — Reuben Harris and Edward Olden. 

1832 — Reuben Harris and Abram S. Francis. Sam- 
uel Merwin, Presiding Elder. 

1833 — Smithtown Circuit: The Great Pond*. Com- 

mack, Hauppauge, The Landing and 

The Branch. John Lovejoy was the first 

preacher in the parsonage at Hauppauge. 

*Lake Ronkonkoma. — Editor. 

1834 — M^illiam R. Stopford and John B. Merwin. 

1836 — Bezilell Howe and James Rawson. 

1838— John Nixon and Charles D. Pelton. 

1839 — John Nixon and Theron Osborne. 

1840 — Theron Osborne and Samuel King. Stephen 
Martindale, Presiding Elder. 

1841 — Samuel W. King and Timothy C. Young. 

1842 — Elbert Osborn and Timothy C. Young. 

1843 — Elbert Osborn and Nathan Rice. John J. 
Mathias, Presiding Elder. 

1844 — Nathan Rice and Marvin Lent. 

1845 — George Hollis, Marvin Lent, with Samuel 
M. Hammond and Justis O. Worth, asso- 
ciates. 



6c 



1347 — Ezra Jagger and Francis C. Hill. 

1848 — Ezra Jagger. Port Jefferson and Stony 

Brook taken from the circuit. Laban 

Clark, Presiding Elder. 

1849— Eben S. Hibbard. 

1850— William Gothard. S. Langdon, Presiding 

Elder. 
185^1 — Joseph Wildey. Buell Goodsell Presiding 

Elder. 
1855— Robert CodHng. 
1857 — Daniel Jones. 
1859— Eben S. Hibbard. 

1861_William Wake. William H. Norris, Presid- 
ing Elder. 
1863— E. K. Fanning. 
1866— J. H. Stansbury. Hart M. Pease. Presiding 

Elder. 
1869— Daniel Jones. Heman Bangs, Presiding El- 
der. 
1871— Charles Sterns. H. M. Pease, Presiding El- 
der. 
1875— Thomas M. Terry. C. B. Sing, Presiding 

Elder. 
1876 — Benjamin Redford, died and succeeded by 
WiUiam Lawrence. John L. Peck, Pre- 
siding Elder. 
1877— Seigfried Kristella. 

1879— Lake Grove Circuit: Hauppauge, Si James 
and Lake Grove. Smith A. Sands. John 
W. Beech, Elder. 
1881— John T. Langlois. 

6i 



1883 — Sylvester Smith. Thomas H. Beech, Pre- 
siding Elder. 

1885 — John F. Duenkerke. Benj. M. Adams, Pre- 
siding Elder. 

1888— John S. Haugh. 

1889— E. J. Curtis. W. H. Wardell, Presiding El- 
der. 

1892— J. N. Crane. 

1895 — Central Islip Circuit: Hauppauge and Cen- 
tral IsHp. T. B. Cornell. Geo. VanAls- 
tine. Presiding Elder. 

1896— William N. Taft. 

1898— Fred Gunton. 

1899— William N. Taft. 

1900 — H. E. Marsland. James Montgomery, Pre- 
siding Elder. 

1902 — Fred Buckwalter. C. S. Wing, Presiding 
Elder. 

1904— Ralph Waldo Thompson. J. S. Chadwick, 
Presiding Elder. 

1907— E. S. Wright. 



In 1838. when John Nixon and Charles D. Pelton 
were its ministers, the Church must have had the 
largest class in its history. To show who attended 
church at that time the following is a copy of the 
names taken from a class book of that year. 

Elkanah Wheeler (leader), Mary Wheeler, Isaac 
Wheeler. Sr. ; Richard Wheeler, Phoebe Wheeler, 
Catherine Wheeler, Fletcher E. Wheeler, Wesley 
Wheeler. Margaret Wheeler, Elizabeth Wheeler, 

62 



Betsy Wheeler, Mary Jane Wheeler, George 
Wheeler, Sr. ; Benjamin Wheeler, Elouisa Wheel- 
er, Geo. Wheeler, Jr. ; Elizabeth Wheeler, Free- 
love Hubbs, Henry Blydenburgh, Clarissa Blyden- 
biirgh, Tabatha Bunce, Mary Smith, Charles Price, 
Phoebe Price, Sidney Price, Susan Price, Polly 
Smith, Deborah A. Smith, Sarah Smith, CloeTillot- 
son, Daniel Thompson, Triphene Thompson, Mary 
Brish, JuHana Blydenburgh, Ruth A. Hubbs, Eliza- 
beth Blydenburgh, Hannah Smith, Rebecca Smith, 
Moses R. Smith, Hannah Walker, Wessels Smith, 
Theodorus Brush, Sarah Brush, Isaac Wheeler, 
Jr.; Nathaniel H. Wheeler, Moses Blydenburgh. 
Mary A. Tillotson, Paul Nichols. Elizabeth A. 
Wheeler, Hannah A. Brush, Sarah E. Payne, La- 
vina Tucker. Edward F. Smith, Henry C. Wheeler, 
Jonas Plubbs, Isaac Blydenburgh, Egbert Soper, 
Phoebe Blydenburgh, Sarah SmalHng, Sarah E. 
Wheeler, Mary E. Smith, Clarissa E. Wheeler, 
Henry M. Tooker, William Olmstead, William J. 
Wheeler, Adaline Smith, Joshua Wheeler, Alfred 
Wiggins, Charles Nichols, Samuel P. Soper. 

Here in a class of 73, 27 of them were Wheelers. 
In 1840 there were but 11 Wheelers in a class of 34, 
and in 1865, with a class of 38, but 4 were W^heelers. 

Elkanah was class leader for many years, then 
his son, Fletcher, followed by William Jewett, who 
was the last of the name to hold the position. 

When the Society was organized, Richard 
Wheeler was chosen clerk for the Trustees and 
held the office for twenty-one consecutive years. 
He was followed by Fletcher, Wesley and Richard 

63 



B. Wheeler, who held it thirty-one years longer. 
The name of Wheeler so often recorded in the book 
has dwindled away until 1891 the last one was en- 
tered. 

It was Richard Bartlett Wheeler, elected Trus- 
tee. 

The Wheelers have passed away. 

When that dread disease consumption had 
claimed Francis W^ard as its victim, he had a long- 
ing to preach his last sermon in the Hauppauge 
Church. Not able to stand alone, it was the 
Wheeler brothers, Fletcher and W^esley, who en- 
abled him to fulfill his dying wish. 

Standing there in the presence of the fell de- 
stroyer, with youth on either side, that mind sum- 
moned before its Creator and Judge, presented a 
picture in the primitive pulpit of one hundred years 
ago that was not soon forgotten. Looking like a 
spirit held a little longer to earth by loving mortal 
hands, that like Jacob's craved a blessing, he 
j)reached one of the most impressive and eloquent 
sermons ever heard in the Church. 

In the churchyard directly back of the pulpit, 
and near the Church, there is a marble slab erected 
by Caleb Smith (who was a friend of the preach- 
er's) that marks the resting place of Francis W^ard, 
where he was buried at his own request. 

Besides being a friend of the preacher's, Caleb 
Smith had political honors. He was a Senator at 
Albany when he influenced Samuel Merwin, chap- 
lain of the Senate, to come to Long Island, where 
for several years he was Presiding Elder. 

64 



HAVENS WHEELER 



In this delusive world, the truth 

Is hard to find, by what we say; 

The heart deceives, but then, forsooth. 
It's what we do gives thought away. 

If words found us the gates of Paradise, what a 
saint many a poor, deluded mortal would be. Most 
])eople are judged in this world by their deeds, and 
the probabilities are that they will be in the next. 

"Blowing the Gospel Trumpet" was Havens 
Wheeler's idea of a holy life. To bring up his son 
in the way he should go, made him sit Sundays 
with the Bible on his knees. It was said of him 
that he would come home at night and feel in the 
hogs' trough, and if it was dry, he would "jaw" his 
wife for not giving them enough, and if it was wet, 
she would get the scolding just the same for giving 
them too much. 

To the woods he then would go and blow his 
Gospel Trumpet, where the silence echoed with his 
prayers and their consolation soothed his cares. 

He thought he had a ''call" to Missouri to waken 
the sinners there with his Gospel hobby, so the 
ladies, kind-hearted creatures, aided him in his mis- 
sion to "The West," thinking that would be the last 
of Havens. He did not stay long; he found that 



Missouri was a place where one must be up and 
doing, not blowing. 



ANECDOTES CONCERNING JUDGE 
SMITH'S SERVANTS 

In those good old times the villagers were neigh- 
bors. The people next door were not strangers. 
Everybody knew everyone in his own village, and 
most of the folks in the country for miles around. 

They were the days before telegraphs, tele- 
phones, lodges, leagues, yellow journals and all 
such news sources were plentiful. They were the 
days when the neighbors "went out to tea," and, of 
course, the news was discussed on these occasions. 

On one of these gatherings at the "Judge's," (he 
employed more help than anyone in the neighbor- 
hood to till the acres that comprised the "Judge''^ 
Neck") they had a little darkey that helped about 
the kitchen. Then quince and sugar, pound for 
pound, was the recipe that tickled the palate at the 
expense of the stomach, and one of the perquisites 
of his position was to have what was left of the 
"sweetmeats" after the company were through. 

This time the guests tarried long at the table and 
the impatient little fellow's head kept bobbing in 
the door until he could stand the agony no longer. 
He rushed out to his mistress, exclaiming, "Mis' 

66 



'Mith, Mis' 'Mith, the qual'ty is eatin' all the 
crince!" 

"Black Dick" was another darkey that worked 
for the Judge and lamb was his favorite repast. 
Out hunting one day, he came across a flock of 
sheep. With temptation before him, he trained 
his gun on a lamb. Just then someone happened 
along. Fairly caught in the act of shooting;, the 
^surprised darkey stammered out. "T-t-care quail !" 



ELLEN S. MOWBRAY AND HER OFT- 
QUOTED POEM ON HAUPPAUGE 



In youth we dream of the happiness that awaits 
us in the drama of Hfe and go forth to wrestle with 
its burdens and cares, till, wearied with disappoint- 
ment and sorrow, the future loses its enchantment, 
memory takes the fancies' place, and the mind 
fondly dwells on what it now realizes were "child- 
hood's happy days." 

A longing for the old associations inspired these 
verses from a former resident of this place- 



HAUPPAUGE 
(The Land of Sweet Waters) 

Keep evermore the Indian name 

So long ago possessed, that tongue 
And time, which gave alike, are gone, 

Their history never told or sung. 
I could not change, I love the sound 

Associate from infancy 
With home and friends, and scenes which grew 

Through passing years more dear to me. 

Of other races than oui-s, with wants 

Of human nature still the same. 
We may not doubt that He Who gave 

It first, in blessing breathed the name. 
But whether choosing here his home, 

Or pausing weary from the chase, 
Or savage combat, first he drank 

With gladness, we can never trace. 



68 



Hauppauge, thy old significance 

Has never failed. The waters sweet 
Still rise in homestead well and spring 

And flow across the quiet street. 
In brooks that sing their pleasant song 

To pebbles underneath, and flowers 
Which grow beside, and skies that smile 

Above them in the summer hours. 

Still hide they where the grand old trees 

Stand reaching upward to the sky; 
In marshy dells, where wild flowers greet. 

With odors soft the passer-by. 
And beauty, water nursed, gleams forth 

To catch the eye and thrill the heart 
With sudden sense of all the joy 

Of earth, in which it holds a part. 

How cool and sweet the draught he takes 

The mflwer knows, when shines the sun 
Upon him with its fiercest heat 

And only half his day is done. 
And the children know who leave their play 

Ere into school again they hie 
To seek the springs whose crystal depths 

Unfailingly their wants supply. 

How often in the days long gone 

From berry-huntings in the wood. 
Or briery fields as night drew on 

We came, and by the wellside stood 
To drink, upon our homeward way. 

Refreshment from its waters deep, 
Ere on we passed with quickened step, 

Lest darkness o'er our path should creep. 

Dear old home! From thee my thought 

Climbed early to that Home above 
Where change comes not, and never death 

Can still from us the voice of love. 
How sweet and full our draught shall be 

From life's bright river, flowing there; 
The life of rest untouched by pain. 

Of joy, undimmed by fear or care. 
1878. ELLEN S. MOWBRAY, Bayshore. 



69 



THE OAK TREES 



Our history would be incomplete without refer- 
ence to the oak trees standing along the highway 
west of the Church. 

When the Church was built, Joshua Smith, do- 
nator of the land for its site, realizing that a place 
was needed for the horses to stand during the ser- 
vices, moved the fence back from the line of the 
highway, leaving a place in the "oak trees' shade" 
for the animals' comfort. 

Then, to make certain that they should always 
stand for that purpose, when he sold the adjoining 
land, he reserved the strip where the trees stand, 
and for eighty years they were the only sheds the 
church-goers' faithful animals had. 

Although no longer used for that purpose, they 
still stand an emblem of the Graces that hover 
'round this consecrated spot, to cheer the travailer 
in the cares and temptations of life. 

Their roots represent our hope anchored in 
time's uncertain sands; their branches, that faith 
which reaches outward and upward from our toil 
and care, while the leaves, their crowning glory, is 
that sweet charity without which all other graces 
fail. 

Many a tree has become famous by one event. 



70 



but who can estimate the number of events that 
have occurred under these silent oaks that tell no 
tales, standing on the borders of romance and re- 
ligion, when after that momentous question, "May 
I see you home?" the youthful swain would put the 
precepts of his church in practice by endeavoring to 
"love his neighbor as himself." 



71 



THE SCHOOL-HOUSE 



The ancient school-house, a little building 13x16 
feet, wherein the Church Society was organized, 
stood on what is now the lawn, between Donald- 
son's house and store. 

Directly across the road in front of the school 
was one of those old-fashioned wood-piles, belong- 
ing to Thomas Wheeler, that stood against a pole 
laid in forked posts. The pile was so long and high 
that one of the teachers complained that it kept 
the aic and sunshine from the school-room. 

There was another teacher in this historic build- 
ing that evidently had original ideas in school man- 
agement, as he devised something "new under the 
sun" in way of punishment for a refractory pupil. 
He clasped the fire-tongs about her neck and led 
her by them around the school-room. 

In after years, he atoned for the indignity by 
marrying the subject of his discipline, and at this 
date their children are prominent citizens of Cen- 
tral Islip. 

When the new school-house was built, about 
1840, T. W. Conkling, who inherited Thomas 
Wheeler's estate, bought the old house and moved 
it across the road in front of his residence and used 
it for a carpenter shop. 



72 



Although still standing, but few remember the 
classic features of the old building that played such 
an important part in the founding of the Church. 

Board siding replaced its weather-worn shingles 
vears ago, and its present owners use it for a wood- 
house. 

The following are the names of a few of the 
managers of this ancient shooting gallery where 
"the young idea" was taught truer, higher aims in 
the marksmanship of hfe : Samuel A. Smith, 
George K. Hubbs. Samuel Hammons, Luther Bly- 
denburgh, Jonas Beecher Blydenburgh, Wesley 
Wheeler, Ruth W^heeler, Triphena Rolph and 
Mary H. Wood. 

The Trustee's report for the year 1834 showed 
that there were 58 children of school age, 5 to 16, 
in the district. School was taught six and one- 
third months, 71 scholars were taught, and $63.54 
with the public money, $22.46— a total of $86.00, 
paid all expenses. 

The famihes that had children ,of school age 
were: Charles LaHo.mmedieu, 2; Thomas W. 
Wood, 4; George Wheeler, Jr., 1; Isaac Wheeler, 
1 ; Thomas Burns, 2 : Selah Tillitson, 3 ; James 
Petty, Jr., 1; Charles Burns, 4; Patrick Burns, 1; 
Daniel Thompson, 2; Henry C. Wheeler, 2; 
Joshua Smith, 1 ; Richard Wheeler, 1 ; Alexander 
Conckling, 1 ; Joshua Brotherton, 2; Henry Jayne, 
2; Henry Blydenburgh, 1; Elkanah Wheeler, 1; 
Wesley W^heeler, 1; Isaac Wheeler. 2; Fletcher 
E. Wheeler, 1 ; Samuel Payne, 2 ; Daniel Smith, 1 ; 
Jacob Wheeler, 2; Joshua Wheeler, 3; Mary 



73 



Payne, 2; Samuel Nichols, 4; Thomas W. Conk- 
ling, 1; Zephaniah Smith, 3; Alexander Smith, 1; 
Francis Ward, 1. 

The Trustees that signed the foregoing report 
were Thomas W. Wood, Fletcher E. Wheeler and 
Thomas W. Conkling. 

Those were the days when teachers boarded 
round and school was kept every other Saturday. 

At the school meeting it was resolved to raise 
$4.00 for contingent expenses and fuel, so the 
teacher had w^hat was left for his services, $82.00. 

It was at the old Thomas Wheeler homestead 
that the Hauppauge Post Office was established in 
1855, and Thomas AVheeler Conkling, great- 
grandson of Thomas Wheeler, the first settler, was 
the first postmaster. 



74 



Francis Ward, died 1814, age 39, buried at Haiip- 
pauge. 

Ezra Jagger, died 1850, age 44, buried at West 
Hampton. 

W. R. Stopford, 1852, Cypress Hills. 

Mitchell B. Bull, 1857, Cypress Hills. 

Horace Bartlett, 1858, 65, New Haven. Conn. 

John Nixon, 1859, 71, unknown. 

Noble W. Thomas, 1860, 79, Hempstead. 

Josiah Bowen, 1873, 62, Derby, Conn. 

Benjamin Redford, 1876, 62, Lake Grove. 

Charles Stearns, 1873, 69, East Norwich. 

Abram S. Francis, 1882, 75, Greenwood. 

Seigfried Kristella, 1883, 47, Evergreen Ceme- 
tery. 

William Gothard. 1883, 75, Cypress Hills. 

Zacariah Davenport, 1883, 80, Westport, Conn. 

Robert Codling, 1884, 66, Helena, Florida. 

Samuel M. Hammond, 1892, 59, Hempstead. 

George Hollis, 1894, 85, Orient. 

Eben S. Hibbard. 1896, 83, Mt. Olivet. 

Francis C. Hill, 1898, 75, Riverhead. 

John B. Merwin, 1898, 86, Greenwood. 

Justis C. Worth, 1900, 83, Sea Cliff. 

Sunday, May 20, 1906, Bishop Andrews preached 
from the text, "For God So Loved the World," at 
the regular service. The day was fine, with a large 
attendance, a reminder of the times when churches 
were not as numerous, and the churchgoers more 
plentiful than now. 

Tuesday, May 22, was League Day. Service;^ 

76 



THE CENTENNIAL OF THE CHURCH 



Now on the century's mark we stand 
In thoughtful, restrospective mood, 

Where the rude forefathers of our land 
In simple faith communed with God. 

Childlike their zeal, with souls sincere 

They met, and told the "old, old story," 

While folly dropped the repentant tear, 
And hallelujahs shouted gloiy. 

Nearly 170 years have elapsed since the first 
house was built in Hauppauge, and 100 years since 
the foundation of the Church was laid. 

From the retrospect, conditions have changed. 
We see in the dim vista of the past those vast con- 
gregations where the people came from near and 
far to the Quarterly Meetings, the strongholds of 
Methodism; and as fancy hears their prayers, their 
testimonies, the aniens, the hallelujahs, and the 
soul-reviving songs that are still the light of Wes- 
ley's path, can we wonder that those whose zeal 
was inspired by the stirring faith of the old Circuit 
riders, think that "the good old times" were better 
than the passive new? 

In May, 1906, a series of meetings were held to 
celebrate the founding of the Church Society. 

A few of those that had preached here were pres- 
ent, but the great majority were placed in the list 
headed, "IN MEMORIAM." Among them were: 



75 



opened with an address of welcome by the pastor, 
R. W. Thompson, followed by a Scripture lesson, 
"Loaves and Fishes," by Miss Saguer, president of 
the Brooklyn North District Juvenile League; a 
song, "The Little Shepherd;" exercise, "The 
Bible." Then the "Glory Song." An address by 
Miss Saguer; singing, "Onward, Christian Sol- 
diers;" an address by Jeremiah Wood, president of 
the Brooklyn North District League, was followed 
by singing "Rock of Ages." 

The evening service opened by singing, "Sweeter 
Than All," and "Count Your Many Blessings." 
Quartette, "There is a Guiding Star." Prayer by 
Bro. Marshall of Central Islip. Violin solo by C. L. 
Land. Quartette, "Abide With Me." Scripture 
lesson in Revelations by Arthur Atkins. Singing, 
"Walking in the Sunshine," by the Juniors. Ad- 
dress by Arthur Atkins, "I Heard Voices of Harp- 
ers, Harping With Their Harps." Quartette, 
"Lead Me Gently Home, Father." Epworth 
League met at the altar for prayers. Doxology. 
Wednesday, May 23, Sunday School Day. 
The history of the Sunday School reaches back 
very dimly in the past, as there were no records 
kept when it first started. The is one yet living 
(1906) who recollects going to the school barefoot 
when a small girl, as it was the custom in the day«^ 
of her childhood; so a school must have been kept 
all of eighty years. "Aunt Beckey" Smith and 
"Aunt Polly Wessels" Smith were among the 
teachers. There were no officers. The library was 
kept in a place in the pulpit and school was kept 

17 



only in the summertime. Then, as Santa Claus had 
$io snow for his deer and sled, the children had to 
he content with what presents they received at 
home. 

Services opened by singing, "Crown Him Lord 
of All." Reading the 90th Psalm. Prayer by the 
Pastor. Singing, "Trust and Obey." Address of 
welcome by B. F. Prince, Superintendent. The 
former superintendents then addressed the meet- 
ing, beginning with Cornelius Brush, then by T. B. 
Cornell Singing, "I Love to Tell the Story." Ad- 
dress by E. C. Smith. The superintendents were 
followed by an address by the Pastor. Violin solo 
by C. L. Land. Singing, "More About Jesus." Ad- 
dress by Charles D. Baker, Long Island Editor of 
The Brooklyn Times; subject, "Planting the Seed." 
Closed by singing. 

Evening service. Singing, "Speak to My Soul." 
Prayer by B. F. Prince. Quartette, "Though Our 
Sins Be as Scarlet." Reading by Henry C. John- 
son, 13th chapter of Corinthians. Song by the 
Juniors. Violin solo by C. L. Land. Singing, 
"How Dear to My Heart." Prayer by H. C. John- 
•son. Prayer by the Pastor. Duette and chorus. 
Doxology. 

Thursday. May 24. The Old Preachers' Day. 
Singing, "Blest be the Tie that Binds." Prayer by 
Thomas M. Terry, who was Pastor in 1875. Scrip- 
ture lesson by T. B. Cornell. Pastor in 1895. Violin 
solo by C. L. Land. Singing, "All Hail the Power of 
Jesus' Name." Address by E. K. Fanning, Pastor in 
J 863. Singing, "Cheer Ye That Love the Lord." Ad- 

78 



dress by Thomas M. Terry. Singing, "Revive Us 
Again." Reading a letter from Bro. Haugh, Pas- 
tor in 1888. Address by T. B. Cornell. Singing, 
"The Old Time Rehgion." Reading a letter from 
W. N. Taft, Pastor in 1899. Also a letter from H. 
E. Marsland, Pastor in 1901. Address by Fred. 
Buckwalter, Pastor in 1902. Supplementary His- 
tory, read by Bro. Buckwalter. Singing, "Glory 
for Me." Poem, "Centennial of the Church," read 
by the Pastor. Poem, "Hauppauge (the Land of 
Sweet Waters)," read by Mrs. Ellen S. Mowbray. 
Singing, "Onward, Christian Soldiers." Benedic- 
tion. 

Evening service. Singing, "Come Thou Al- 
mighty King." Singing by the Juniors, "There is 
a Home Eternal." Prayer by Bro. Laine of Smith- 
town Branch. Lesson by Bro. Buckwalter. Violin 
solo by C. L. Land. Solo and chorus, "The Song I 
Love." Address by J. E. Duenkerke, Pastor in 
1885. Song by the Juniors, "What E're I Do." 
Singing, "The Old Time Religion." Address by J. 
T. Langlois, Pastor in 1881. Quartette, "Lead Me 
Gently Home," "Praise God from Whom All Bless- 
ings Flow." Benediction. 

Sunday, May 27, Memorial Day. Singing. 
Prayer by the Pastor, R. W. Thompson. Singing, 
"America." Rev. Charles H. Buck of Yonkers 
preached from the text, "Fight the Good Fight of 
Faith." After an address by W. W. Hulse of Bay 
Shore, the few survivors of the Civil War were 
decorated with the emblems of peace by the young 
ladies of the Church, and after a solo by Mrs. Wil- 



79 



liamson of Brooklyn, adjourned to the graveyard to 
pay their comrades whose battles of life are o'er, 
tlieir tribute of flowers. 



80 



ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO 



One hundred years ago our fathers stood 

Pondering over their village need, 
And then resolved to build a house of God, 

And Methodist to be its creed. 

They in the school-house met, and plans were made 

To organize a brothers' band; 
On classic ground was the foundation laid 

For a Church in "The Hauppauge" sand. 

Temptation lures from wisdom's truth and care 
Where selfish pleasures end in pain. 

Ambition is a castle in the air, 

There fancy seeks its rest, in vain. 

We drain the dregs of passion's bitter cup 

Ere we heed the new command; 
It is but love that puts God's buildings up. 

And only love will make them, stand. 

With the Christians' password, "Watch and Pray,'" 
They stood on guard in manhood's might; 

Where wisdom kept their wily foe at bay. 
This Church commemorates the site. 

On hallowed ground, in the "death angel's reign," 
Where hopes were laid with shroud and tear, 

It taught them faith to meet their hopes again, 
It was their refuge from despair. 

The Church our fathers built with loving hands. 
The temple where in grace they grew, 

Consecrated by a century stands 

A gift from old times to the new. 

Transformed from the past to its present state, 
With marks of each successive stage, 

With pride and reverence we celebrate 
Our centennial heritage. 

Still from their silent graves, its founders speak, 
For virtue lives, and ne'er gTows old; 

To find wisdom's truths we the prophets seek, 
And quote the facts our fathers told. 



Centuries will be numbered with the past, 

Time will change Hauppauge's shifting sands^ 

This building will fall, but their faith shall last, 
That on the "Rock of Ages" stands. 



CHANGES 



One hundred years : time has wrought its 
changes and Hauppauge has not escaped the joys 
and sorrows that it brings. 

The land of the braves, the squaw and the 
papoose is changing still. An old habitation and a 
gravestone record the brief sojourn of their suc- 
cessors in the panorama of life's fleeting show. 

The churchyard, that library of the dead, had 
been filled, enlarged, and a great part filled again. 

The primitive church that was our fathers' pride 
has disappeared in the fantasia of modern ideas. 

Sheds have taken the place of the oaks for the 
horses' comfort. The itinerant preacher has left 
the field to the resident pastor. The Sunday School 
is officered and kept the year round. The barefoot 
scholar is extinct. Santa Claus is scheduled for the 
Christmas time on his "Free Delivery Route," but 
the name of Wheeler is not on his list. 

They, like their predecessors, the Nissequogue 
Indians, have left the murmuring brooks of "Sweet 
Waters," and all but few, a very few, have crossed 
the "silent river." 

Dear, grand old Hauppauge that rocked the 
cradle of the infant Church ; while from memory 



82 



the events of its childhood are fading, we trust that 
the historian of its next centennial, inspired by thy 
wood-crowned hills and sparking rills, will paint a 
fairer, brighter page. 



When our country's primeval lands 

Were by the haughty Sachem trod. 

Here their unlettered, roving bands 

By crystal springs communed w^ith God. 

No guilded hall or city's mart 

Allured their soul from Heaven's dome; 
To Nature's wilds they gave their heart, 

And the forest was their home. 

No temple on their pathway stood, 

Dedicated to art or fame, 
Where the denizens of the wood 

Were their companions, and their game. 

The faithful braves armed for the chase 
With skill the wary stag betrayed, 

The patient squaws worked fields of maize. 
The papoose by the wigwam played. 

Where the unerring arrow's flight 

Their simple larder filled with cheer; 

These hunting grounds were their delight, 
Foretaste of the Great Spirit's care. 

Here, they counselled war or peace 

When angered by a wily foe; 
And passion's rising tide would cease 

In the streamlets gentle flow. 

"The savage breast" has passions sweet. 

The flitting wood nymph's chai-ms beguiled 

The haughty warrior to her feet, 

Then the reflecting waters smiled. 

From fancies, heroes, pride or fame, 
Which never our affection prove, 

■"Keep evermore the Indian name" 

"Sweet Waters" make a stream of love. 



S3 



THE FAMILY GRAVEYARDS— THE 
WHEELER GRAVEYARD 



The graveyard is the strand where the tide of 
humanity casts its drift on the shore of time. 

Across the King's Highway from Timothy 
Wheeler's. 

The sighing trees reverently cast their shade 

Where filial love long since has ceased to weep, 

By curiosity hurried steps are stayed, 

Here "the rude forefathers of the hamlet S'leep." 

In the deep shadows fleeting time has cast 

On this neglected, consecrated spot, 
We pause; while fancies linger in the past 

And give our sires the tribute of a thought. 

The moss-grown stones bear names to fame unknown; 

Here is a great-grandsire's ivy-mantled cell. 
Had he fortune's smile, or the cold world's fro^vn, 

The pride or shame of family legends tell. 

They had sorrows, and disappointment bore; 

They had trials, temptations were their lot; 
.Ajnbition the vigors of youth allure, 

They dreamed of joy to come and grief forgot. 

We fancy them heroes of truth and right; 

They had merits that we are proud to own. 
Few are the lives that bear a critic's light; 

They had their frailties — we'll leave them in the tomb. 

On these moss-grown stones whose inscriptions 
are being slowly defaced by the busy hand of time, 
we find that in the year 
1783. Thomas Wheeler died, age 73 

84 



1801, Phoebe Wheeler, his wife 81 

1784, Timothy Wheeler 71 

1803, Mary, his widow 17 

1780, Phoebe, wife of Jacob Wheeler 34 

1790, Temperance, wife of Jacob Wheeler 36 

1824, Jacob Wheeler 76 

1843, Isaac Wheeler 68 

1839, Thomas Wheeler 85 

1845, Ruth, his widow 91 

1801, Juha, daughter of Thos. & Ruth Wheeler. . 14 

1801, Jonas Wheeler 58 

1834, Ruth, his widow 85 

1830, Timothy Wheeler '. 86 

1823, Rebecca, his wife 70 

1823, Epenetus Wheeler 66 

1829, Frederick Wheeler 47 

1822, Henrietta, wife of Capt. Wm. Wheeler 49 

1824, Mary, wife of Jonas Payne 30 

1802, Elizabeth, wife of Garret Darling 23 

1822, Charles, son of Mary and Jonas Payne, 

I year, 6 months 

1867, Theodore, son of Capt. W^m. Smith 78 

1805, Charles, son of Capt. Wm. Smith 7 

1808, William, son of Capt. Wm. Smith . .6 months 
1827, Frederick, son of Theo. & Sarah Wheeler, 

1 year, 6 months 
1848, Clarissa, wife of Henry Blydenburgh 59 

1809, Esther, wife of Isaac Wheeler 23 

1827, Rhoda, daughter of Isaac Wheeler 2 

1814, Rhoda, daughter of Dan. and Hannah 

Wheeler 14 



85 



GRAVEYARD ON JAMES SMITH'S PLACE 

The following names are found in the plot on 
James Smith's place : 

1837, James Smith, died, age 95 

1824, Catherine, his wife 80 

1822, Thomas Payne 54 

1863, Charity, his widow 91 

1817, Mary Esther, daughter of Conkling and 

Catherine Ketchum 4 months 

1800, Catherine, daughter of Jonas and Temper- 
ance Payne 5 

Henrietta, daughter of John and Elizabeth 
Blydenburgh 1 year, 6 months 

GRAVEYARD ON GEORGE WHEELER'S 
PLACE 

In the grounds on George Wheeler's place these 
names are still to be found : 

1798, Charity Blydenburgh 85 

1844, Almy, wife of James Blydenburgh 79 

1850, James Blydenburgh 96 

1866, Jeremiah Davis 73 

1813, Deborah LaHommedieu 40 

1871, Samuel Blydenburgh 82 

1873, Elizabeth, his widow 80 

1843, Huldah Blydenburgh 22 

1850, Jeremiah Blydenburgh 18 

1838, Henry, son of Wm. and Mary Smith, 

2 years, 5 months 

86 



1815, Alfred, son of Wm. and Mary Smith 10 

1820, Rtihamer Wheeler 63 

1841, George Wheeler 95 



SAMMY PAYNE GRAVEYARD 

The "Sammy Payne" plot contains these names : 

1826, Temperance, wife of Jonas Payne 50 

1827, Jonas Payne 57 

1828, Jonas Payne ^^ 

1850, Samuel Payne 60 



JOSHUA SMITH'S GRAVEYARD 

The burial place of Joshua Smith's family was a 
plot of ground near his residence. 

Consequently, when the farm was sold it could 
not be reserved, and reverence for the dead neces- 
sitated their removal to the protecting care of the 

Church. 

In the northeast corner of its hallowed acre, 
that's ever consecrated by sorrow's bitter tears, is 
heard the requiem of the evergreens, whispering 
rest over the memories of the old substantial fam- 
ihes of Hauppauge. 

Just outside of this hollow square of guardian 
trees, a sentry to time's sanctuary of his fore- 
fathers' lasting abode, with that portion of his fam- 
ily that found no dearer spot than the parental 
home, until called away from the typical streams of 

87 



Hauppauge, to rest beside the sweet waters of 
Rternity, stands the memorial of "Major 'Nezer." 



In reverence pause. On these stones we trace 

The last of a proud, historic name 
That from the low level of our race 

Astride a bull, scaled the hill of fame. 

Pause, but envy not the world's renown, 

Fame's height is not the Mount of Glory; 

On earth's honors selfish critics frown, 
And careful skeptics doubt the story. 

Delusions surround fame's flick'ring light; 

Vain ambition seeks the glit'ring prize; 
The hill's far below the mountain height; 

Fame is the World's love; love to Heaven flies. 



88 



CONCLUSION 

Many of the descendants of the first settlers left 
the scenes of their childhood to seek fortune in 
other lands. Whether the fickle Dame smiled on 
them or not, it is not the purpose of this sketch to 
inquire. It seeks not their "merits to disclose," "or 
draw their frailties from their dread abode." 



WHEELER 

Timothy Wheeler of the third generation lived 
in New York City. 

"George Ed," Benjamin's son, kept a feed store 
in Brooklyn. Alfred, his brother, was a sailor, and 
never married. 

Walter, the second George's soti, after his sec- 
ond marriage lived in Stony Brook, where he had 
quite a family. 

Richard Rogers, Joshua's son, married Eliza- 
beth, daughter of Jacob Fisher, and lived in Brook- 
lyn. 

Charles lived in Wheeling, West Virginia. 

Egbert went to California, during the "Gold 
Fever," and never returned. 

William Jewett emigrated to Northport. 

89 



Fletcher E. kept a feed store near Bedford Sta- 
tion; his son Wesley is living in the village of Islip. 

Daniel Wheeler, son of Fletcher's brother Wes- 
ley, lived at Baldwin, L. I., where his family now 
reside. 



CONKLING 

Cornelius Conkling was a parson in New Jersey. 

Erastus A. Conkling started a wood yard in 
Brooklyn, and after coal became fuel for family use, 
it was a "Wood and Coal" yard. 

Thomas M., his son, for many years had charge 
of the cab service at 34th street. New York City. 



WOOD 

T. W. Wood, Jr., also had a wood and coal yard 
in Brooklyn, where most of his family now reside. 
T. B. Wood, his brother, is living in Missouri. 



SMITH 

Ebenezer Smith's son, Aaron, kept a store in 
Brooklyn under the name of Smith and Bunce; 
afterward he had a drug store in Islip, where his 
son Caleb now lives. 

Caleb and Ethelbert tried their fortune in Hong 
Kong, China, and came back and ended their days 



90 



in Smithtown, where most of their children now 
live. 

Joshua B. was the last "Bull Smith" in Haup- 
pauge. He died in 1907, then the place was sold 
and the "Major's" descendant who bore the name 
of Lawrence, moved to Smithtown Branch. 

BLYDENBURGH 

Nathaniel Blydenburgh, son of the first James, 
lived in Hempstead. 

James D., son of the second James, is living in 
Smithtown Branch, across the road from where his 
great-great-grandfather founded the first Blyden- 
burgh home in 1700. 

Edward N., his brother, is living in Babylon. 

Charles, another brother, did not return from 
the Civil War. 

Isaac, a son of Luther, is living "out West." 



SMITH 

Charles Carpenter Smith, Daniel's youngest son, 
is living in Islip. 

Willmot M. Smith, son of Moses R., was a law- 
yer in Patchogue, and at the time of his death in 
1906, was a judge of the Supreme Court of New 
York. 

Moses R. Smith's other sons : One lives in Hunt- 
ington, that is Herman; and Theron lives in 
Smithtown. 



91 



NICHOLS 

Elias Nichols, son of Paul, was an M. D. in New- 
York City. 

PRICE 

Charles Price, a grandson of Elijah, has a green- 
house near Smithtown depot. 

Sanford Elijah Price, son of Sidney, ended his 
days in Hauppauge, then his widow married her 
first love, and took the last of the name to Port 
Jefferson. 



Humanity, like water, is ever in motion. Gen- 
erations will come, and generations must go. 

The babbling brooks of Hauppauge still wind 
their way to the silent Nissequogue, whose waters 
ceaseless flow to mingle with the vast and mighty 
ocean. 

In this wilderness of disappointment and sorrow 
from our lives must spring those little streams of 
love (the sweet waters of life's fitful river) which 
are flowing, flowing, forever flowing over the 
treacherous sands of time to sparkle on the bound- 
less unfathomed Sea of Glory. 



— END 
92 



